The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, has formally announced a series of traditional and civic directives as the Asaba community mourns the death of one of its most revered leaders, Obi Chief Peter Nwanze Oduah, popularly known as Odogwu Ahaba.
Obi Chief Oduah, described as one of Asaba’s most illustrious sons and the second-in-command in the hierarchy of the Asaba Kingdom, passed away on November 13, 2025. His death, according to the monarch, has been a deeply traumatizing loss for both the royal institution and the entire Asaba community.
In an emotional press statement issued on Wednesday, the Asagba, who also noted that the late Chief Oduah was his cousin, extolled him as “one of the most Asaba-centric personalities of our time” and a fearless defender of the kingdom.
According to the monarch, Odogwu Ahaba was known for leading local security efforts from the front and confronting threats ranging from criminal activities to drug peddling. His commitment to safeguarding the kingdom, the Asagba said, earned him a reputation as a warrior both in spirit and in deed.
“A big vacuum has been created and a great iroko has fallen in the kingdom,” the Asagba declared, emphasizing that the late chief’s contributions had significantly shaped the community’s resilience and cultural pride.
In accordance with Asaba traditions and with the Asagba’s consent, the remains of Obi Chief Oduah will be laid to rest on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
To honour his memory, the Asagba issued two major directives:
- All markets in Asaba will be closed on Thursday, November 20 in respect of the fallen chief.
- A one-week mourning period will be observed across the kingdom beginning the same day. All public and social activities—including meetings—are to be suspended except in emergencies.
The monarch also extended heartfelt condolences to the late chief’s immediate family, his wife and children, and the Umuonaje quarters, particularly the Umuagulu people of the Mogbue family.
Calling on all sons and daughters of Asaba at home and in the diaspora to remain united in grief, the Asagba prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and all faithful departed.
“May the soul of Odogwu Ahaba and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” he concluded.
Obi Chief Peter Nwanze Oduah is remembered as a towering figure in Asaba’s traditional leadership, community security, and cultural preservation—one whose legacy, the monarch insists, will guide Asaba for generations.
